Thanks, learning is fun...and pricey!
I had quite a few ‘opportunities to learn’ (what I call my failures):
1) When making multiple batches of lye, label them. I used the lye for a 2lb batch in a 1lb batch; it warped my Dollar Store bowl it got so hot. I put it in the middle of the drive way.
2) When making multiple batches of oils/butters...add all and label them. I got side tracked with a phone call and didn’t add olive oil to one of my batches. I put it in the middle of the drive way.
3) When making multiple batches of soap with different recipes, label the bowls. One batch went into the garage, the other in the drive way.
4) Weigh your bowls and measuring cups and write the weight with a Sharpie. If something happens and you get distracted you can weigh your bowl/contents.
5) Along with the above, write your recipe in the order in which you add your ingredients. My recipe reads Cocoa Butter, Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Castor Oil and Olive Oil.
6) Every time you make soap, print out your recipe even if it is the same recipe, just a different color and scent. Even if you are a hobbyist as opposed to a business, it’s a good idea to keep a record of your soaps. Write the date and time. Write what colorant and scent you used And if you had any issues...or not. Note your saponification process (covered, uncovered, oven process, refrigerated, heating pad, etc). When did you unmold and cut? Anything to note...hard, soft, spongy, spots, separation, etc? How long did you cure? Did you test?
Get a 3-ring binder and a three hole punch minimum. You can get plastic sheets and dividers or you can just open the binder and stick the newest batch of top (my favorite right now).
